In previous blogs I’ve written about Hawaiian cruises, luxury cruises, and cheap cruises, but there’s a type of cruise that’s been getting a lot of press recently and it has nothing to do with the 50th State; it’s not pretentious; and (unfortunately) it’s not that cheap. It’s called a “Concert Cruise” and it’s a chance for fans to listen to the likes of country-music star Kenny Chesney sing on a secluded beach in the Caribbean.
But, that’s not all. Passengers who board the “Concert Cruises” can take part in Q&A sessions with their favorite crooners, or interact with them at the pool or the midnight buffet. According to Billboard magazine, the most popular “Concert Cruises” are those featuring country music stars. For a recent “Country Cruise Getaway,” which starred Tim McGraw, Live Nation, one of the country’s largest promoters, chartered a Carnival Cruise ship. The three-night Caribbean cruise departed from Fort Lauderdale, and also featured Little Big Town, Cagle, Jamie O’ Neil, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Jypsi and the Nashville Hitmakers. Tickets started about $1,100 per person and topped out at $2,100.
Travel agents call the cruises the “ultimate VIP ticket.” It certainly seems like a great way to combine sun, sea, and incredible live entertainment by big name stars—and not just stars of country music– The Dave Matthews Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sammy Hagar and the Barenaked Ladies all have set sail recently.
One “Concert Cruise” I have seen a lot of promotion for is the annual “Rock Boat,” a chartered trip that takes place aboard a Carnival ship hosted by Sister Hazel, featuring acts like Cowboy Mouth and the Pat McGee Band. Other charters feature alternative groups, and past hit makers, which promoters say tend to do extremely well because “they have very dedicated fans who will book the charter to be able to spend time interacting with the musicians.” They add that bigger name stars don’t usually sail the cruise; instead, they tend to fly into a port of call and do a show there.
Have you ever taken part in one of these floating musical festivals?
Related Articles:
Cruising The Hawaiian Islands-For Free!
Setting Sail on the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Get More When You Cruise For Less